Jackson Hole Duo Summits Gannett Peak in Nationwide Climbing Event to Fight Cancer
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Exum Mountain Guide Amy Brennan McCarthy of Teton Village, Wyoming and climbing partner Derek Collins of Driggs, Idaho successfully climbed Gannett Peak (13,804') in the Wind River Mountains on Saturday, June 24th as part of the first annual nationwide mountain climbing event to fight cancer.

The event, known as "50-50-1," included climbing teams in all 50 states in the U.S., scaling the highest peak in each state on the same day, June 24, 2006. Each team raised funds, which will help to fund important research to find a cure for cancer, provide patient support services, and give a child with cancer the opportunity to attend Camp Sunshine. "50-50-1" stands for 50 states, 50 peaks, one goal.

McCarthy, Collins, and Collins' dog Hanna, completed the 50-mile journey in under forty-eight hours round-trip from Jackson Hole. The first leg of their expedition for this important cause began at the Trail Lake trailhead in Dubois, Wyoming. The team left at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23rd, hiking sixteen miles into the Lazy TX Outfitter's camp to catch roughly five hours of sleep. Waking around 4:30 a.m., McCarthy, Collins and Hanna followed the Glacier Trail another nine miles to the base of Gannett and began their ascent via the Gooseneck Glacier. Due to a dry winter in the Wind Rivers, the creeks were low and the snow conditions were just right for crossing the bergschrund. The team summitted around 11:45 a.m., taking in the panoramic views from atop Wyoming's highest point. They returned to the outfitter's camp to obtain a very restful night's sleep and then departed for the trailhead early Sunday morning.

McCarthy learned of the opportunity through Exum Mountain Guides, which was contacted by the Climb for Cancer Foundation, looking for climbers to summit Gannett Peak, one of the most challenging peaks of the 50 high points in the U.S.

"It was the perfect opportunity to combine my love for exploring one of the wildest places in the lower forty-eight with support for a vital cause. We all know too many people afflicted with cancer. A cure is necessary. If climbing a mountain can help, sign me up!" said Amy McCarthy.

The Climb For Cancer Foundation was started by Ron and Dianne Farb of Gainesville, Florida to combine Ron's love for mountain climbing with their desire to see an end to cancer. Fundraising in the state of Wyoming was spearheaded by University of Wyoming alumnus Rick Massmann.

For more information on the Climb For Cancer Foundation, visit www.cfc-foundation.org.

For more information on this event, visit www.50-50-1.com.